CVE-2024-38064 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE • 07/09/2024
Windows TCP/IP Information Disclosure Vulnerability
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/13/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical information disclosure flaw in the Windows TCP/IP stack that allows attackers to extract sensitive network configuration data and system information through carefully crafted network requests. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of certain TCP/IP protocol parameters during connection establishment and data transmission processes, specifically affecting how Windows systems process and respond to malformed or unexpected network packets. The technical implementation involves the kernel-level TCP/IP driver failing to properly validate incoming packet headers and connection state information, leading to potential exposure of internal system memory contents and network configuration parameters. This flaw operates at the network protocol level and affects Windows operating systems from vista through the latest versions, with particular impact on server environments where multiple concurrent connections are processed. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-200 Information Exposure and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1082 System Information Discovery, as it enables adversaries to gather detailed network and system information that can be used for further exploitation. When exploited, the vulnerability can reveal sensitive data such as internal IP addresses, port configurations, network interface details, and potentially even memory addresses that could aid in advanced persistent threat operations. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure as it can provide attackers with the foundational knowledge required for network reconnaissance and lateral movement within compromised environments. The flaw is particularly concerning because it operates at the kernel level and can be triggered through normal network traffic without requiring elevated privileges or specific user interaction. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by sending specially crafted TCP packets to target systems, causing the TCP/IP stack to inadvertently expose internal system information through error responses or connection state information. This type of vulnerability is classified as a privilege escalation vector in ATT&CK framework under T1068, as the information disclosure can lead to more sophisticated attacks. The operational impact includes increased risk of network reconnaissance, potential exploitation of additional vulnerabilities, and enhanced ability for attackers to plan targeted attacks against specific network segments. Organizations may observe unusual network traffic patterns or connection attempts that could indicate exploitation attempts, particularly when monitoring for unusual TCP handshake sequences or malformed packet processing. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in kernel-level network drivers and highlights the need for robust security testing of core operating system components. Mitigation strategies include implementing network segmentation to limit exposure, applying Microsoft security patches promptly, and deploying network monitoring solutions that can detect unusual TCP packet patterns. The flaw also emphasizes the necessity of maintaining up-to-date security configurations and conducting regular vulnerability assessments of network infrastructure components. System administrators should monitor for signs of exploitation attempts and ensure that all Windows systems receive timely security updates to address this and related TCP/IP stack vulnerabilities. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical nature of kernel-level security and the potential for seemingly minor protocol implementation flaws to create significant security risks in enterprise environments.